Let me start out by saying the build quality is phenomenal. The packaging makes it feel like you just dropped at least $300 on this thing. The lightweight build is actually lightweight, the screen is bright and vibrant, the bezels are small, and the device itself is incredibly thin.
I'll preface this with one thing- you need need need to get a Viture USB-C adapter with power delivery (yes the one for the XR Glasses) or something similar. It's not required, the screen can work with just power delivery from the device itself- but you'll be sorely missing out.
A USB-C adapter with power delivery allows you to take full advantage of the monitors capabilities without sacrificing display features on your PC or console itself
ROG Ally connected with the adapter:
1080p 144hz or 120hz w/ FreeSync Variable Refresh rate and HDR in full 30W power mode with the official ROG Ally AC adapter. Just make sure you turn on FreeSync in the monitor's OSD and HDR if you want it.
With the Switch:
1. A Nintendo Switch Dock is required if you don't have a USB-C adapter with power delivery
2. I had to turn off the Switch TV power mode settings because this locks the switch if the screen turns off- and it might as you attempt to connect it
3. The connection didn't work at first (at least for me) unless I set the Switch TV Settings resolution mode to 480p before connecting- then switched it back to 1080p once on the screen was visible- BUT
4. Once it works it works! No compromises. Even with the standard Nintendo Switch 5W AC adapter
5. If you don't like that you need the AC adapter I believe you'll just need to find a portable battery with decent hi wattage power delivery. I've read the 20000mah Anker works- I̶'̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶u̶p̶d̶a̶t̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶v̶i̶e̶w̶ ̶o̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶I̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶c̶o̶n̶f̶i̶r̶m̶.̶ Can confirm- Anker 20000mah Power bank works!
Without an adapter you can still use the screen (not the Switch)- but there will be limitations. I have not thoroughly tested it with the ROG Ally or a different Windows PC but I imagine that if you push the screen too much without some form of external power source it will likely disconnect. This should be expected. The thing is- you'll always need some form of adapter for the devices you connect if they don't have a discrete HDMI out or video out- otherwise you're just draining your laptops battery. It's worth the investment.
Other features:
Audio – Speakers are nothing to write home about but they get the job done and I'm more than appreciative of that
HDR – Again, nothing special- but it does work fine. I'm not super keen on knowing what to look for between SDR and HDR but it does get the job done.
4K / 2K Downscaling – This monitor can support up to 4K resolutions, but downscaled to 1080p. It's great for something like a PS5 or Xbox- consoles that I've found to actually lower graphics settings in some games simply for using 1080p. A good example is Assassins Creed Odyssey, which looks loads better when your console is set to 4K.
Refresh Rate – It's no joke. For the first time I can be competitive in Halo Infinite on my ROG Ally. Between free sync and 120hz/144hz picture quality matches my Samsung Odyssey G9. (Side note… would be neat to have an 32:9 portable monitor but I can't imagine that would work without the screen being some sort of foldable)
Stand – I read a lot of reviews before purchasing and they must have redone the stand design because it this recent model (As of 3.31.2024) is super sturdy. No separate kick stand you have to carry around- it comes with a long arm that allows you reposition the screen easily depending on the height of the surface the monitor is relative to your eye level.
Cables – Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB Type-A to USB-C cable (which I've yet to test), and an HDMI to Mini-HDMI cable. I simply use the USB-C to C cable while connected the Viture USB-C adapter.
Warranty – 1 year and can be extended to 2 year with a full refund if issues encountered within 30 days of purchase. If I do have problems I'll update here if the warranty process is a pain.
Cons:
Honestly- none so far. It does not have a cover so you'll want to order the Arzopa sleeve since the screen is otherwise unprotected. But that's on discount if you purchase the monitor so you can save $4.
Overall, this monitor is badass.
I will update this review if the device fails or I find issues worth noting. 5 out of 5 stars
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